Online Reporter
Freedom Mupanedemo
Midlands Bureau
HEAVY rains that pounded Gweru and its environs this week caused widespread flooding that submerged streets, inundated homes and exposed the city’s chronic problems with clogged and inadequate storm water drains.
The deluge quickly overwhelmed the drains, turning major streets in the city centre and residential suburbs into impassable waterways.
The recurring crisis has left residents frustrated, accusing the city council of failing to address a predictable annual issue.
“The council is not taking us seriously,” said Mr Trymore Sibanda, a frustrated resident of Mkoba 9 suburb.
“We need them to fix our drains once and for all.”
Echoing this sentiment, Mrs Annabelle Moyo from Mkoba 4 highlighted the simple need for consistent maintenance.
“As residents we feel that council is not doing enough… This is a simple matter of maintenance. They just need to clear the drains regularly,” she said.
Contacted for comment, Gweru City Council spokesperson Ms Vimbai Chingwaramusee acknowledged the problem, but shifted part of the blame to the community.
